Spring 2025

My Whirling Twirling Motor

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

A Warm, Empowering Story About High Energy, Big Feelings, and Celebrating What Makes Kids Unique

This engaging picture book follows Charlie, a young boy who feels like he has a “whirling, twirling motor” inside him every day, making it hard to sit still, slow down, or stay focused even when he wants to. Through relatable narration and gentle family support, this story helps children understand that having lots of energy is not something to be ashamed of, and that challenges do not define who they are.

Alongside the story, a detailed Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers provides information on hyperactivity, ADHD, behavior management, and ways adults can help children focus on positive experiences.

Key Features

  • Supports Self-Awareness: Helps children understand what it feels like to have big energy and that their behavior is not intentional or bad.
  • Positive Behavior Framing: Models how adults can highlight strengths, reinforce successes, and build emotional confidence.
  • Great for Home or Classroom: A relatable narrator and clear language make this an excellent read-aloud for families, educators, and support professionals.
  • Includes Expert Guidance: Features a detailed Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers with information on hyperactivity, ADHD, and practical behavior strategies.
  • Trusted Publisher: From Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association, experts in child development and emotional well-being.
Format Your Price Add
978-1-4338-2936-9
$17.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books
Category Diverse Books: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2019
Publisher Magination Press, American Psychological Association
Imprint Magination Press — American Psychological Association
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-01-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV077000, JUV039140, JUV013060
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 8 x 10
Features Note to adults, Original artwork, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Author: Merriam Sarcia Saunders

Merriam Sarcia Saunders, LMFT, is a licensed family therapist and child custody mediator specializing in helping neurodivergent families and children, specifically with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning disorders.

Illustrator: Tammie Lyon

Tammie Lyon is best known for illustrating the Katie Woo series. She also illustrated the Makers Make It Work book, Double or Nothing. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and dogs.

Reviews

School Library Journal

“The story reinforces that his being overactive and impulsive is not intentional and does not make him bad. The young narrator eventually internalizes his parents’ focus on his accomplishments, rather than his challenges, and he wonders what positive things he will do tomorrow. . . . A must-have for young readers with any type of behavior difficulty and their caregivers.”—starred, School Library Journal

Kirkus Reviews

“A practical, sensitive depiction of a child with ADHD facing challenges and receiving affirmation . . . . Compassionate, helpful, and wise.”—Kirkus Reviews